Well over a couple of hundred universities in the United States have programs for the masters-level study of public health. The concern with these masters in public health programs is the well-being of communities from a medical standpoint. When looking through a selection of colleges offering the degree, make sure that the one you choose has been accredited by the CEPH.
For what does CEPH stand? Why should students look for accredited courses? The types of programs the CEPH or Council on Education for Public Health accredits are indicated in its full name.
Public health graduate students must be careful in seeking out a course and be certain that accreditation has been granted to the one they are eyeing. It is generally the case that specialized schools for the subject have all their programs accredited together. It is wise to be certain if other levels of the course have also received accreditation.
Do not confuse CEPH accreditation with the regional one. Regional accrediting bodies accredit courses for generalized topics; the CEPH, for courses with specific concentrations. There is a generalized perspective adopted by the accrediting committees for regional accreditation.
In contrast, the CEPH accreditation is meant to evaluate how well a course can "drill" the needed knowledge for this field into a student. Every major subject of study, from nursing to business, has a premier accrediting body to which students may refer in the search for the best schools. The Council on Education on Public Health is thus the accrediting organization recognized for public health colleges and courses.
The body accredits both institutions and their programs, although not necessarily together. It is obvious that they differ from each other in that a university poses a selection of programs, as opposed to the individual program which is the only consideration in its case. The academies of this type have to let students choose from any of the major areas of specialization as well.
For public health programs, they are only required to offer one MPH degree. Still, programs often offer students the choice of specializing in a number of areas. The college is also required to provide a doctorate level course.
There is an assurance of quality with the accreditation of the CEPH. There are at least five primary foci from which students can pick theirs, including Behavioral Sciences and Health Education. Because accredited schools should offer at least one doctoral degree, students are assured of getting advanced degree opportunities.
Accredited schools can provide assistance in transferring credits between institutions, or during admission to advanced degrees. It is typical for colleges to accept the credits students have stacked up in other colleges, especially if the educational standards are equal. Once the student has graduated, he can even take the Public Health Certification exam.
There are certain occupations that actually demand CEPH accreditation of their applicants' masters in public health programs. Keep in mind that this also qualifies you for many fellowships sponsored by the government. The colleges with accreditation also tend to offer the best support systems for degree-takers.
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